[A/N]: So I lied (sort of). I'm posting this second chapter now to sort of get the ball rolling since I think the first one is a little dry. After this, I'll (probably) start releasing on a weekly basis.

Please feel free to refer to Chapter 1 for some clarification on the story and a general author's note.

Chapter 2

"Salve," greeted Rosa as Ezio walked through the door. The thieves had taken her to a small room, illuminated only by the setting sun, which penetrated a small window above Rosa's bed. In preparation for the night, a candle had been lit and placed on a nightstand next to her.

"Salve," Ezio returned. "I am still waiting for an apology."

Rosa frowned, puzzled. "Apology?"

"For running into me earlier."

Rosa chuckled and rolled her eyes. "You're lucky you have any florins left, stronzo" was as close as Ezio was going to get to an apology.

Ezio glanced around the room. Besides Rosa's bed and nightstand, there was only a table with a few articles of clothing and some medical supplies, including crutches. A thief's line of work must come with a lot of injury, reasoned Ezio. This room must have been designated for recovery.

"So," said Ezio, "They have you locked up in here for a while?"

"Si and I HATE it," complained Rosa. "Last time I was injured, I at least had a book to read. Now I have to stare at the wall while everyone else is in the city without me."

"Perhaps I can find you some entertainment," Ezio offered. "What would ease your suffering?"

"I appreciate the gesture Ezio, but you have your own duties to address…"

"That brings me to another concern," interrupted Ezio. "How did you know my name, and what do you know of my duties?"

Rosa smiled. "Antonio told us to be on the lookout for 'a man in a white hood.' Ezio Auditore would soon be arriving from Forli, so we were told to stay vigilant."

"Was I that easy to find?"

"Not at all. It took us at least fifteen minutes," she teased. "We knew we'd bump into you eventually."

Perfetto, thought Ezio. Perhaps his Florentine mannerisms had made him easy to separate from the crowds.

"That answers my first question," he said, "but what do you know about me?"

"Antonio said that you were here for important business and that our goals were similar. I assume that means you're going to help us in some way."

Similar goals? What could that mean? Surely Antonio and the thieves were not after the Templars as well!

"Beyond that, I know nothing about you," Rosa finished.

"But Antonio does?"

"Perhaps. You will have to ask him."

Ezio sighed. "I'm not entirely sure I trust him yet."

Rosa sat up. "And why not? You saw him save my life."

"I'm not sure I trust you either."

Rosa frowned, puzzled once again. "You wouldn't be here if we weren't on the same side, Ezio. Antonio knows better than to let an enemy find us."

"Va bene" he conceded. "I will speak with him. In any case, he sounded like he could help."

"You do that," said Rosa. "I'm sure you'll figure something out."

"I'll return to check on you soon," promised Ezio. "Don't go too far."

"And exactly how far are you worried I'll go?" Rosa crossed her arms.

Ah, si. The wounded leg.

"How far can you crawl?"

Rosa laughed and reassured Ezio, "I admit I am restless, but I know not to make things worse. I won't do anything careless."

"If you weren't careless, you wouldn't have a hole in your leg," he reminded her.

"I suppose you're right, intelligentone. But don't worry about me. I'll make sure my leg heals properly."

"Bene!" said Ezio as he walked to the door and opened it. "One more thing…do you know how to play chess?"

"Si, why?"

"Just curious," replied Ezio, and he closed the door behind him.